CLEANING DEVICE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USE
A cleaning device is removably attachable to a replacement head. The replacement head includes pad that is attached to the lower side of an attachment member and is in contact with the floor during cleaning. The cleaning device is removably attached to the attachment member of the replacement head by lowering the cleaning device body downward vertically onto the replacement head until a mechanical connection is achieved.
The present disclosure relates generally to cleaning devices, and more specifically to the manner and method of connection between a cleaning device and a replacement head.
BACKGROUNDHardfloor cleaning can be challenging when there are a variety of mixed media debris present. In some instances, there is a desire to both vacuum dry, loose debris, scrub stuck debris and absorb any wet debris that may be present. Prior art tools, such as vacuums, dry mops and wet mops are capable of handling some of these types of media, but not all at once. As a result, many often sweep dry debris before mopping wet or stuck-on debris.
Known tools that can handle both dry and wet media have higher set-up times than a broom/mop combination and the after-use maintenance can be especially high when liquids are involved. If the combination tool is not properly cleaned after each use, they can become smelly and unpleasant. Lastly, clean up can be quite messy and the user may be required to either dirty his or her hands and/or wear gloves.
Prior art cleaning devices that utilize, at least in part, a handle and replaceable cleaning sheet require the user to manually wrap a non-rigid cleaning sheet around the end of the mop handle before use. The process typically requires the user to use both hands and can be awkward. In embodiments where the non-rigid cleaning sheet is pre-wetted, users often must get their hands wet in order to the use the mop.
Therefore, an improved replacement head that can be easily attached and detached to a cleaning device with minimal effort and mess is desired.
SUMMARYA cleaning device system includes a cleaning device and a selectively attachable replacement head. The replacement head includes at least one cleaning sheet that defines a first surface and a second surface that is generally opposite the first surface. The second surface is intended to clean a surface, such as a floor. The replacement head also includes an attachment member that is affixed to the first surface of the cleaning sheet. In some embodiments, the attachment member can be a plastic tray that includes a dust bin. A filter can also, optionally, be provided affixed to the dust bin. The cleaning device includes a generally elongated handle and a cavity at a distal end. The cleaning device and replacement head are removably attached to one another by, first, placing the replacement head in a manner such that the cleaning sheet is generally horizontal. Second, the cleaning device is lowered towards the replacement head in a generally vertical manner such that at least a portion of the attachment member enters into the cavity. Finally, a removable mechanical connection is initiated between the attachment member and the cavity of the cleaning device upon completion of the process.
According to another aspect of the invention, the attachment member (e.g., the plastic tray) includes a front guard portion that defines an interior space, and at least a portion of the cleaning device is lowered into the interior space during the connection process.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, at least a portion of the cleaning device is also in contact with the first surface of the cleaning sheet when connected to the replacement head.
According to an even further aspect of the present invention, the cavity on the cleaning device includes at least one interior wall that angles inward such that the replacement head is urged towards proper alignment with the cavity for proper connection.
According to an even further aspect of the present invention, the attachment member includes at least one connector lip and the cavity includes at least one movable connector arm that form the mechanical connection when the at least one connector lip passes by the at least one connector arm.
One advantage of the present invention is that a user can complete the connection process between the cleaning device and the replacement head with a single hand by simply lowering the cleaning device body vertically downward onto the replacement head.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the user does not have to hold both the cleaning device and the replacement head simultaneously during the connection process.
A further advantage of the present invention is that the angled interior walls of the cavity urge the replacement head into proper alignment during the connection process.
Referring now to
The plastic tray 22 can be made of any suitable material (including non-plastics); however, materials that are inexpensive and readily disposable are preferred. For example, polyethylene terephthalate (or “PET”) is considered a preferred material, in part, because PET is inexpensive and is readily thermoformed to the desired shape. Injection molding, blow molding or any other common manufacturing processes would also be acceptable and appropriate alternatives. As shown, the plastic tray 22 can be formed of a single, unitary piece, or can be comprised of two or more parts that are connected or joined during the assembly of the replacement head 4.
The plastic tray 22 as shown in
Referencing now to
Referring to
The opening 52 is preferably covered by an opening cover 54. The opening cover 54 can be made of any suitable material; however, in two preferred embodiments the material is either spunbond polypropylene, 1.25 oz and extruded PET, 0.7 Mil or 80 gsm spunbond PP. Preferably, the opening cover 54 is a cantilevered flap that, when open (
In some embodiment, and now referring
Referring to
In some embodiments, and now referring to
Referring to
In some embodiments, and now referring to
Referring now to
Referring now to
Located between the front guard portion 32 and the dust chamber 28 is the front suction chamber 88. The front suction chamber 88 extends across the plastic tray 22 from side to side. The front suction chamber 88, as shown in
The filter 26 is made of a suitable material that will permit air to pass therethrough during use, yet block at least a substantial portion of the dust that is drawn into the dust chamber 28 during cleaning. In addition, it is desirable for the filter 26 to have the ability to absorb and/or block moisture prior to entering the cleaning device 2. It is desirable to choose a material that is inexpensive to manufacture, readily cut to size and easily attachable to the plastic tray 22. In the embodiment shown, the filter 26 is a non-woven, hydrophobic material made of SMS Polypropylene, 40 gsm. In embodiments where the filter material is printable, an additional printed pattern may appear on the filter 26 that includes, e.g., a logo or directions for use.
The filter 26 is attached to the plastic tray 22 such that substantially the entire top opening 46 is covered, as shown in
The pad 24 includes a first surface 74 and a second surface 60 and is made from any suitable material that, preferably, can be used to scrub the surface being cleaned and/or absorb moisture. Pads 24 are well-known in the art and can include one or more layers. For example, a pad with a single layer made of 100% PET material or Carded Spunlace PET, 58 gsm; Spunbond PP, 10 gsm may be used. Or, as shown in
Layer 1: Air Laid Retention Layer; 180 gsm, 47% Pulp, 53% Bico
Layer 2: Air Laid Acquisition Layer; 100 gsm, 47% Pulp, 53% Bico
Layer 3: Face Layer; Carded Spunlace PET, 58 gsm; Spunbond PP, 10 gsm
Layer 4: Multi-function Strip; Melt Blown PP, 35 gsm
Referring to
The outer shape of the pad 24 can be any suitable known to one of skill in the art. As shown in
The pad 24 can be attached in any suitable manner. Preferably, the first surface 74 of the pad 24 is attached to the bottom surface 66 of the dust chamber 28 in a permanent manner. Suitable methods include using heat bonding or adhesives. Alternatively, the pad 24 can be replaceable and attached in a removable manner by, e.g., hook and loop fasteners.
Referring now to
In the embodiment shown, as the cleaning device head 10 is lowered onto the replacement head 4, at least one connector arm 18 or 20 is urged to an open position by the relative angles of the surfaces of the connector arms 18, 20 and downward force of the cleaning device body. Once the attachment member is fully in the cavity 21 and the connector arms 18, 20 have passed below the connector lips 56, 62, the moveable connector arm is able to return to a closed position, thus completing a mechanical connection. Additional angled interior side walls 23 on at least one of the front, back, and/or side of the cavity 21 also assist in urging the cleaning device body and/or the replacement head 4 into proper alignment during the connection process.
In use, and now referring to
During the cleaning process, one or more of the following will occur: the dust chamber 28 will fill with dust and debris, the filter 26 will become clogged, and the pad 24 will become soiled. The user, at any time, may selectively replace the replacement head 4 by moving at least one of the connector arms 18, 20 to the open position, thereby releasing the first and second connector lips 56, 62 from engagement with the cleaning device head 10. Advantageously, in the embodiment described, the user can replace the entire replacement head 4 all at once and replace with a refreshed replacement head 4 for future use with minimal mess.
One of skill in the art would know that additional embodiments, or variations to the above description can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, while various alternatives for connecting the replacement head to the cleaning device head have been disclosed (i.e., first and second connector lips, elastic straps, etc), additional devices that utilize more than one of the disclosed methods or obvious alternatives are considered within the scope of the invention. In addition, the term about is used herein to describe a range of additional values known to one of skill in the art to be equivalent to the stated range. When the term about is used with regard to a range, the term is intended to apply to both ends of the range.
Claims
1. A cleaning device system, comprising:
- a replacement head including: at least one pad defining a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the pad generally opposes the second surface, the first surface includes an attachment member and the second surface is intended to clean a surface; and a dust bin that is capable of collecting and storing dirt and debris, the dust bin including a top opening and a filter positioned such that the filter at least partially covers the top opening, wherein the dust bin has an opening through which the dust and debris passes through and enters the dust bin;
- a cleaning device including a generally elongated handle and a cavity at a distal end opposite the handle; and
- a vacuum source,
- wherein the cleaning device and replacement head are configured to be removably attached to one another by placing the second surface of the pad of the replacement head in a generally horizontal manner and lowering the cleaning device body towards the replacement head in a generally vertical manner such that at least a portion of the attachment member of the replacement head enters into the cavity such that at least a portion of the cleaning device is located below and in vertical alignment with a portion of the attachment member to form a positive removable mechanical connection between the attachment member and the cavity of the cleaning device body,
- wherein the attachment member includes a front guard portion that defines an interior space, and at least a portion of the cleaning device is lowered into at least a portion of the interior space as the removable mechanical connection is caused.
2. The cleaning device system of claim 1, wherein the attachment member is formed of plastic.
3-7. (canceled)
8. The cleaning device system of claim 1, wherein the cleaning device further includes a spray nozzle from which cleaning fluid can be sprayed.
9. The cleaning device system of claim 1, wherein the cleaning device is also in contact with the first surface of the pad when connected to the replacement head.
10. The cleaning device system of claim 1, wherein the cavity includes at least one interior wall that angles inward such that the replacement head is urged towards proper alignment with the cavity for proper connection.
11. The cleaning device system of claim 10, wherein the cavity includes at least one pair of opposing interior walls that angle inward toward each other.
12. The cleaning device system of claim 1, wherein the attachment member includes at least one connector surface and the cleaning device includes at least one connector arm that, together, form the mechanical connection when the at least one connector surface passes by the at least one connector arm.
13-15. (canceled)
16. A cleaning device system, comprising:
- a replacement head including at least one pad defining a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the pad generally opposes the second surface, the first surface includes an attachment member and the second surface is intended to clean a surface; and
- a cleaning device including a generally elongated handle and a cavity at a distal end opposite the handle,
- wherein the cleaning device and replacement head are configured to be removably attached to one another by placing the second surface of the pad of the replacement head in a generally horizontal manner and lowering the cleaning device body towards the replacement head in a generally vertical manner such that at least a portion of the attachment member of the replacement head enters into the cavity and a removable mechanical connection is caused to occur between the attachment member and the cavity of the cleaning device body,
- wherein the attachment member includes a front guard portion that defines an interior space, and
- wherein at least a portion of the cleaning device is lowered into at least a portion of the interior space prior to the removable mechanical connection occurring such that the cleaning deice remains in proper alignment with the replacement head during the formation of the removable mechanical connection.
17. The cleaning device system of claim 16, wherein the attachment member is formed of plastic.
18. The cleaning device system of claim 16, wherein the cleaning device further includes a vacuum source.
19. The cleaning device system of claim 18, wherein the replacement head includes a dust bin that is capable of collecting and storing dirt and debris.
20. The cleaning device system of claim 19, wherein the dust bin includes a top opening, and a filter positioned such that the filter at least partially covers the top opening.
21. The cleaning device system of claim 20, wherein the dust bin has an opening through which the dust and debris passes through and enters the dust bin.
22. The cleaning device system of claim 16, wherein the cleaning device further includes a spray nozzle from which cleaning fluid can be sprayed.
23. The cleaning device system of claim 16, wherein the cleaning device is also in contact with the first surface of the pad when connected to the replacement head.
24. The cleaning device system of claim 16, wherein the cavity includes at least one interior wall that angles inward such that the replacement head is urged towards proper alignment with the cavity for proper connection.
25. The cleaning device system of claim 24, wherein the cavity includes at least one pair of opposing interior walls that angle inward toward each other.
26. The cleaning device system of claim 16, wherein the attachment member includes at least one connector surface and the cleaning device includes at least one connector arm that, together, form the mechanical connection when the at least one connector surface passes by the at least one connector arm.
27. A method for connecting a cleaning device to a replacement head in a cleaning device system, the method comprising the following steps:
- providing a replacement head having a pad coupled to an attachment member, the replacement head having a front guard that defines an interior space having an opening that generally faces upwards when the replacement head is placed on a cleaning surface in a generally horizontal manner;
- providing a cleaning device that includes a source of suction, the cleaning device having a cavity located at a distal end;
- placing the replacement head on a cleaning surface such that the pad is positioned in a generally horizontal manner;
- holding the cleaning device in a generally vertical manner above the replacement head; and
- lowering the cleaning device downwards towards the replacement head in a generally vertical downwards manner while the cavity is angled relative to the replacement head so that at least a portion of the cleaning device is lowered into at least a portion of the interior space prior to a removable mechanical connection occurring,
- wherein a portion of the cleaning device including the cavity then rotates relative to the replacement head while the portion of the cleaning device remains in the interior space until the removable mechanical connection is formed between the replacement head and the cleaning device.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 19, 2020
Publication Date: Aug 19, 2021
Patent Grant number: 11179014
Inventors: Richard MATHIAS (Needham, MA), Michael James DOUGLAS (London), Yu Ri Young KIM (Brighton, MA)
Application Number: 16/795,012